GentleWave^® Procedure Frequently Asked Questions

The GentleWave Procedure is the virtually pain-free root canal treatment preferred by 93% of patients⁶. It offers a modern way to treat root canal infections with effective, high-tech cleaning designed to reach the most complex tooth anatomies where bacteria can hide.

By using a less invasive treatment that minimizes the use of manual instrumentation^1,3 and saves natural tooth structure²,

• Over 92% of patients can be treated in one appointment².
• Over 96% of patients report mild to no pain after treatment⁴.
• Over 97% of patients experience fast healing⁷.

Learn more about how the GentleWave Procedure differs from other root canal options here.

Through its proprietary cleaning process, the GentleWave Procedure clears bacteria in 3 steps:

1. Stimulation: A high-pressure stream of fluid is stimulated, creating tiny vapor bubbles that collapse to create multisonic energy.
2. Activation: Multisonic energy is activated to loosen and dissolve infected tissue and bacteria, including in hard-to-reach areas.
3. Disinfection: The disinfecting fluid is swirled into a powerful vortex, lifting the infected tissue debris up and out of the canal in a quick 8-minute cycle, allowing for a pristinely clean root canal system.

With its thorough and effective cleaning, the GentleWave Procedure is the modern root canal treatment preferred by patients⁶ that offers superior cleaning of the tooth, including complex cases.

Typically, just one appointment is needed to complete the GentleWave Procedure²! The below steps lay out what is required to determine your eligibility for and be treated with the GentleWave Procedure.

1. Diagnosis: The first step, when you feel pain symptoms in a tooth, is to consult with a dentist to determine if you need a root canal. This diagnosis is a standard practice before any root canal treatment. Once diagnosed, your dentist can decide to refer you to an endodontist experienced with the GentleWave Procedure or decide to do the root canal in-house (if the dentist has the GentleWave Procedure).
2. Consultation: Most practices that receive a patient referral require a consultation appointment prior to scheduling the GentleWave Procedure. This consultation appointment is also a standard practice across all endodontic treatments to ensure you and your doctor develop a personal treatment plan fit for you, as well as determine your eligibility for the GentleWave Procedure.
3. Treatment: Over 92% of patients can be treated in just one appointment with the GentleWave Procedure²!
4. Final Restoration: If the GentleWave Procedure is completed by an endodontist, you may need to return to your dentist for the crown and final restoration.

"[The GentleWave Procedure] is how I treat the majority of my patients in one appointment.” – Dr. Derek Peek, DDS, MS*

Patients are often surprised by how quickly they can return to their busy lives after treatment.

• Over 97% of patients experience fast healing, with complete healing within 12 months⁷.

“An hour after the GentleWave Procedure, I was pain-free and asymptomatic!” – Chad P., GentleWave Patient

Cost will differ at each individual GentleWave Doctor office. Because the GentleWave Procedure allows for a one-visit procedure, saves natural tooth structure and provides superior cleaning that can lower future chances of needing a root canal done again on the same tooth (retreatment)², patients can receive key cost-saving benefits over the lifetime of a tooth!

• With the average cost of a root canal retreatment being over $1,100, and the average cost for an implant and its accompanying procedures on one tooth sitting between $3,100 to $5,800, the GentleWave Procedure can not only save your tooth, but save you money in the long term.

Find a GentleWave Doctor near you today using our Doctor Locator tool.

You can review your insurance benefits and discuss any additional costs with your doctor’s office. Root canal therapy is a covered benefit by many insurance plans. HSAs or FSAs can also be used to pay for the GentleWave Procedure depending on the respective plan.

Visit the GentleWave Doctor Locator here to search for the closest GentleWave Root Canal Specialist near you!

The symptoms and signs that you need a root canal can include:

• Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure
• Discoloration (darkening of the tooth)
• Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
• Prolonged sensitivity or pain to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed)

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please schedule an appointment with your dentist.

An infected root canal occurs when bacteria that live in the mouth invade the tooth pulp, which can result from:

• A crack or chip in the tooth
• A fractured tooth root
• Damage to the tooth pulp (with or without damage to the exterior of the tooth)
• Repeated dental procedures
• Tooth decay

If you are diagnosed with a root canal infection, you have options for treatment. The GentleWave Root Canal promotes pain-free, fast healing².

Yes. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected area prior to treatment.

Yes! The GentleWave Procedure is an alternative root canal treatment to not only standard root canal treatment but also tooth extraction or implants.